This is the documentary that will support our demands for a FAIR PICK in 2026 and 2027.
THE UNSEEN follows three West-African migrants living in Borgo Mezzanone, Europe's largest ghetto for agricultural workers. The film reveals the realities of Europe’s invisible workforce trapped between exploitation, survival, and impossible choices.
The documentary follows Mbaye, Babucarr and Lamin.
Each with their own story, motivations for leaving their countries of origin, and ways of navigating a life filled with uncertainty.Alongside their personal journeys, the film reveals how labour exploitation, social exclusion, and the ongoing struggle to obtain legal residency shape their daily lives. They find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle where returning home is no longer possible, yet remaining in their current situation feels unbearable.
THE UNSEEN aims to give a voice to people who often remain out of sight, despite their essential contribution to our society.
The film sheds light on how migrants working within Europe’s agricultural sector can become trapped in systems of labour exploitation, bureaucratic uncertainty, and social exclusion.
By placing the personal stories of Mbaye, Babucarr, and Lamin at the centre, the documentary reveals that behind economic systems and political debates there are always human lives. The film invites viewers to look beyond the numbers and discussions surrounding migration, and to reflect on who is made visible and who remains unseen.
THE UNSEEN highlights the importance of dignity, protection, and the right to belong. By bringing this hidden reality at the margins of Europe to light, the film aims to raise awareness about the conditions in which many migrants live and work, while contributing to a more human perspective on migration and labour.
A film by Milou Rientjes and Niek Pennings
Duration: 73 minutes
Subtitles available in: English, Dutch, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Bulgarian
Original film website: theunseen.nl
